Abstract: Active components comprising lauric acid, or a lauric acid derivative, are utilized independently, or in combination, to provide new and useful compositions for bacteriostatic action against susceptible pathogens. The lauric acid derivative includes one or more of 12-aminododecanoic acid, 12-amino-1-dodecanoic acid methyl ester, sucrose monolaurate, 12-(7-nitrobenzofurazan-4-ylamino) dodecanoic acid, 4-nitrophenyl dodecanoate, 1-lauroyl-rac-glycerol, 3-oxo-N-(2-oxocyclohexyl) dodecanamide, butyl laurate, benzyl laurate, isoamyl laurate, monolaurin, isopropyl laurate, pentyl laurate, and hexyl laurate. A preparation includes combining the active component with lecithin, and after an initial processing phase, coating with chitosan or a carrier. Final compositions may be or may contain particles, such as nanoparticles. Final compositions, or formulations containing said final compositions, may be utilized internally, causing one or more membrane changes (e.g.